Information dump

You wake in the morning with Yura still on your chest. As you stir, she gently kisses your cheek. You run fingers through her hair and smile as she hugs you.

“Good morning, Yura. I hope you slept well.”

“I have never felt better. Thank you, Josh, for...everything. I have never felt so happy.”

The way she says that, in her usual flat monotone, is belied by the small smile she has. Somehow, the tiny curl of her lips is the most wonderful thing you’ve seen. You give her a squeeze, and start to get up.

“Now I know why the other girls say it is hard to get out of bed when you are there. I just want to hold you all morning, Josh.”

You chuckle. “Believe me, it’s hard for me too. Unfortunately, I have important things to do today.”

Yura climbs out of bed and walks over to you. You smile at the sight of her, naked. She gives you another kiss and starts dressing.

“Do not worry, I am not upset. I will ask that we do this again soon. I want...more.”

You smile. “So do I, Yura.”

You make your way to breakfast, and you’re greeted by the usual group of Anna, Elys, and Kali, and they are joined by a slightly disheveled Rachel. They all grin as you walk in with Yura.

Anna speaks first. “You two had a good night? Master is smiling, that’s a good sign!”

You can’t help but blush, which draws a cheer from the girls. Even Yura smiles her small smile.

Elys notices. “Yura, you’re sssmiling! How can you be ssso adorable? Don’t worry, we won’t asssk for detailsss...yet.”

The group nods. You turn to Rachel. “It looks like we’re not the only ones that had a good evening...”

Rachel grins at you. “You knew I had a crush on those two at least as long as I did you!”

“True, but it looks like they were very thorough.”

Rachel gets a dreamy look in her eyes. “Oh, they were...”

Elys winks at you. You laugh and sit, and Rachel comes back from dreamland. “One thing though, Josh...I need a ride to my car.”

You laugh. “I figured. Actually, I want to come with you to the AWIO today. I need a map of the old world.”

Rachel nods. “You want to know what you’re getting yourself into. Maya and Elys filled me in on your plans. I think it’s crazy and dangerous, but I also know you won’t be swayed, so I will support you the best I can.”

“Thank you, Rachel. It is crazy and dangerous, but I can’t just sit here and let this stuff happen when I could do something about it. I have these insane powers, why not use them to help people.”

Rachel smiles. “I just ask that when they make superhero movies about you some day, we all get played by really pretty actresses!”

You all laugh at that. Later, you follow Rachel to her office. On her recommendation, Kali is with you, since she knows more about the old world than Rachel.

Upon arrival, it isn’t long before the three of you have a map spread on the table.

Rachel looks at the map. “So I’ll tell you what I know. The old world we know of is roughly the size of Australia. If there’s other land masses, we have no knowledge of them. Our portal links to the Allied Kingdoms, a group of small nations that banded together to hold off the demon lord. Beyond that, I’ll leave it to you, Kali.”

Kali nods. “Itria is a dwarven kingdom. They are strong enough defensively to hold back almost any army, and the mountains they live in are essentially impregnable. They’re good folk, but very serious.”

You nod, thinking of Yura’s vision. A dwarf as one of your girls. You gesture for Kali to continue.

“I know little of Mermouthia, it’s a human kingdom trying to claim neutrality. That’s all I know.”

Rachel interjects, “Marcus, the rune mage on the council was born there. We could ask him.”

Kali smiles, and moves on. “Ellon is home to the elves, dryads, and other woodland races. It’s essentially a giant forest. They welcome others, as long as they respect the forest. I believe Maya’s village is in Ellon.”

Rachel nods, “The dryad on the council, Bree, also hailed from there.”

Kali nods, and continues, “Poilevil is more a collection of tribes and villages than a kingdom. Many of Yura’s people come from there, although I would guess that her tribe would have been closer to Itria.

The demon lord’s realm is obvious, and I’d rather not talk about it right now...”

You nod, understanding.

Kali continues, “Finally, the Abandoned Empire. It was a powerful empire, ruled by a triumvirate of what could only be described as demigods. Then, ten years ago, they vanished, and their land is in shambles. Their left behind armies fight the demon lord to a standstill, however. Their rule was almost as brutal as his. It’s assumed that they had something to do with the portals, since they opened around the same time.”

You sit back in your chair. “This is a lot of information. Thank you Kali.”

Kali smiles, “I’m happy to help you, my savior.”

Rachel smiles at the byplay between you, then jumps as the door swings open and Marcus walks in.

“And what exactly is going on in here?”